Review of The Quiet (2005) by Rob C — 21 Feb 2010

The Quiet is pretty graphic in the storyline aspect, but if you can get past that with an open mind, then you're in for one great film. I think every character is twisted in their own way, not just the daughter and father here.

Yes, you may sympathize with Nina (Elisha Cuthbert) being in what seems like a forced relationship with her father Paul (Martin Donovan), but then you have Nina actually enjoying his nightly visits. She's caught up in a "love/hate" relationship with him. It makes you think if he let her do what she wanted, like go out on school nights and date around freely, then maybe their relationship would of still kept going strong. Then, you have Dot (Camilla Belle) and her silence to everything she witnesses. She can say something, but doesn't. Maybe she's intrigued with everything that's going on around her. Maybe she feels comfortable because she's in a world where she's not alone with people like her. It's like she enjoys keeping the secret of the father/daughters sexual relationship with eachother. Another one to point out is Nina's bestfriend Michelle (Katy Mixon), and her lustful attraction to Dots "boyfriend", Connor (Shawn Ashmore). Then you have Connor and his fantasy with quiet Dot. The mother Olivia (Edie Falco) is also in her pill popping daze, oblivious to what's going on around her. But, she proves to play a major role in the end of the film. All in all, a great psychological thriller.